Macros weigh on ecommerce sales & other top stories

This week, the impact of soaring costs on e-commerce sales takes center stage. As mid-year promotions commence, rising raw material and packaging expenses, driven by inflation and geopolitical tensions, are expected to dampen growth in the sector. E-commerce giants Amazon and Flipkart initiated their Independence Day sales last Friday, with online sales volumes anticipated to rise by 10-15% year-over-year.

However, the demand during this period is typically boosted by Raksha Bandhan, which falls a week after the sales conclude this year. To counteract these challenges, platforms are expected to rely more on zero-cost EMI, bank offers, and cashback promotions. Meanwhile, ET highlighted that Raksha Bandhan is projected to generate 14-15 million orders for quick commerce platforms, up from 8-9 million the previous year.

Additionally, Eternal's District plans to expand offline shopping to become its second-largest business within three years, with dining remaining the largest category. The company aims for a $3 billion net order value and has decided against entering the travel sector for now. Jungle Ventures is reallocating its India fund to focus more on AI and manufacturing, with a target of $200-300 million per two years.

Delhivery reported a 64% drop in Q1FY27 profit, as higher expenses counterbalanced revenue growth, while its chief operating officer resigned and the chief business officer was elevated to a deputy CEO role.